Biographical Sketches
ALLAN B. H. MCGEE
The history of the representative businessmen of the west, with a few exceptions, is that of men who, in the early years of their lives, laid the foundation upon which they have gradually built superstructures of a successful business life, and who, unaided by fortunes at the start, have by their own abilities, perseverance and industry attained positions of trust and honor and gained a competence that places them and their families in such a position that they can never know what it is to battle against adversity as did their fathers. Among this class of men, Mr. McGee stands prominently at the front. It cannot fail to prove of interest to the student of human nature, and it is typical in its advancement of the progress of his adopted state.
A native of Kentucky, Mr. McGee was born near Bardstown, May 21, 1815, and is the only survivor of the family of James H. and Nellie (Frye) McGee. His father was born in Kentucky, and his mother belonged to an old Virginian family. Their marriage was celebrated in the former state, and in 1827 they became residents of Missouri, locating near Liberty, but in the Fall of 1827 settled on land where Kansas City now stands. The father here purchased tracts of several squatters and later entered the land from the government when it came into market. It was principally covered with hazel brush, but he believed it an advantageous location and with wonderful foresight predicted that a large city would eventually be founded here. He at once began to clear and improve the place and transformed a considerable portion of it into richly cultivated fields. His political support was given to the whig party. His death occurred in 1840, and his wife, who was a consistent member of the Baptist church, passed away about 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. McGee were the parents of 10 children who grew to maturity: Mrs. Amelia Steen, who died leaving a large family; Allan B. H.; Frye P., who died in 1881, leaving 2 daughters; M. W., who died in California; Mrs. Catherine Johnson, who died leaving 7 children; E. M., ex-mayor of Kansas City, who died here in 1873, leaving 1 daughtger; Angeline, deceased; Eleanor Campbell, who passed away leaving 2 children; Peter Minard, who was a soldier in the Confederate army, and was killed at the battle of Franklin; and James H., who died leaving 4 children.
Mr. McGee of this review was a lad of 12 summers when with the family he came to Missouri. In this wild and desolate region there were no school privileges to be enjoyed, and few advantages of any kind. He received some instruction from an old traveling teacher, but is practically self-educated, and through close application, experience and observation he has become a well informed man, gaining a practical knowledge that has enabled him to pursue a successful business career. He worked for his father in his early youth, and the hardships of pioneer life are familiar to him through experiences. It is the labors of such men as our subject in the development of this region that have made the comforts of the present generation possible. His first independent effort in life was the furnishing of food supplies for the Indians under government contract, and for some years he was thus engaged, while the money he received for his services was used by his father in purchasing land. He was always a favorite with the Indians, and his fairness and kindness won him many friends among the members of the red race. He became familiar with their habits and modes of living and knew how best to deal with them. Subsequently he cared for the home farm and also operated a water mill and distillery.
Just before he attained his majority, Mr. McGee left his parental home, cleared a tract of land and made preparations for a home of his own. In 1837, he returned to Kentucky, and on the 8th of May was united in marriage with Miss Melinda Frye, a native of that state. Bringing his bride to Missouri, he worked for his father for a year, and then operated the mill and distillery. In 1838 he settled on the old homestead, which has now been his place of abode for 57 long years. The town of Westport had then no existence. The little cabin was supplied with furniture made by the Indians and purchased of Rev. Thomas Johnson. The beds were of grass, and it can easily be imagined that the materials in the little home were crude and primitive, but nevertheless many happy days were passed there, for there was something attractive about the freedom and genuineness of this pioneer life. Mr. McGee cleared the place and transformed it into a richly cultivated tract. He also took contracts to build the church and schoolhouse in his neighborhood, and in various ways was connected with the upbuilding and development of this locality. As time passed he made additions to his hewed-log cabin, afterward weatherboarded and plstered it, and made a comfortable home. In his business he prospered, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.
In that early period, Mr. McGee was an Indian trader for several years, selling all kinds of merchandist to the tribes which still visited this locality. He came in contact with many of the noted western pioneers, prepared outfits for General John C. Fremont on 2 of his trips and entertained the General's wife at his own house. He also outfitted a number of English lords for buffalo hunts, and a large number of people who were on the way to California during the gold excitement in that state. He successfully carried on farming for a number of years, and afterward, in connection with the operation of his land, conducted a hotel in Westport. He is a man of sound judgment, quick to see and improve opportunities, and his prosperity in the financial world he owes entirely to his own undertakings.
In 1847 Mr. McGee was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife. They had 3 children, viz: Mary, wife of A. M. Allen; Anna P., wife of James W. White; and Alice, deceased. For his second wife, Mr. McGee chose Christina Frye, a sister of his first wife, and they had one child; but the mother and son have both passed from life. On the 11th of January, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McGee and Miss Susan B. Gill, sister of Judge Gill. They have 3 children: Nellie, wife of W. W. Nelson, of Kansas City; Allan B. H., Jr., and Gill. This is one of the most prominent and influential families of Jackson county; and among the honored pioneers, occupying a foremost place, is our subject, who is the oldest living settler in Westport. In 1888 he erected his elegant residence, which stands in the midst of a valuable tract of land of 24 acres.
In religious faith Mr. McGee is a Baptist. In politics he was formerly an old-line whig and afterward a democrat. He has taken an active interest in political affairs, but has always refused to hold office. His is an honored old age. His life, well and worthily spent, has been of benefit to those around him and to the community. Few men have more devoted friends than he; none excel him in unselfish devotion and unswerving fidelity to the worthy recipients of his confidence and friendship.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.